The winners of the 2016 Women in Construction Awards, recognising excellence in Africa, were announced this week at Gallagher Convention Centre in Joahnnesburg.

The Women in Construction Awards evolved through a need to recognise and celebrate the role of women in the construction, cement and concrete industry. The awards, which comprise of both individual and organisational categories, acknowledge the increasing importance of women in the industry.

The individual categories recognise women who are pioneers in innovation within the built environment, as well as identify “New Starters” –  women under the age of 30 years – who through their efforts have been identified as women “to watch” as they get a foothold within the sector.

The organisational awards acknowledged organisations which have stepped up and developed women’s roles through innovative training programmes as well showing their commitment to developing the careers of women in the industry.

“The Women In Construction Awards is an enabler, which shows women that their efforts within the industry are recognised. Seeing and hearing about women excelling in the construction sector proves that there is support for women in this male dominated industry,” said Women in Construction Awards Director Athi Myoli.

 

2016 Women in Construction Award winners:

 

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

 

Pioneer of Innovation

Noluthando Molao (37), Associate Director, Turner & Townsend, Johannesburg

“Winning the award is recognition of all the hard work I’ve put in over the last ten years while building my career. I’d like to encourage other women wanting to break into the construction industry by saying that anything is possible with hard work, perseverance and a plan. It’s vital to remember no one wins alone. I have learnt that different people have different strengths and one should be able to acknowledge this and draw from this.” Said Molao.

 

New Starter of The Year (under 30)

Etheldreder Koppa, Assistant Project Manager, National Housing Corporation, Tanzania

 

ORGANISATIONAL CATEGORIES

 

Excellence in Career Development

Thobile Bhembe (35), Junior Site Agent, Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Swaziland

“I am honoured to be recognised by receiving this award. I am also proud to be the first female site agent at Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings. I’d like to remind the youth interested in the construction industry to not only like Mathematics and Science, but work hard at it too. Construction is not a just for certain people, it’s for everyone”, said Bhembe.

 

Most Innovative Women Training Programme

The City of Cape Town’s Transport Authority, Cape Town